NDA exam is conducted by UPSC twice a year in offline mode, the exam has two modes the NDA exam and the SSB interview. Every year approximately 5-6 lakh candidates participate in the recruitment process, however, the exam was only for male candidates and female candidates were not allowed to appear for the exam.
The Supreme Court on 18th of August had said that women can also sit for the upcoming NDA entrance examination. The Apex Court holded the policy that restricts the entry of women into the elite institution and termed it as “gender discrimination”.
The Centre on September 8 announced that it has taken a decision to allow women entry into the National Defence Academy which was so far a male dominated bastion for recruitment in the defence forces.
There is a good news. The Forces at the highest level and the government has taken a decision last evening to induct girls for permanent commission through the National Defence Academy.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati.
Women can prepare for a career in the Armed Forces immediately after Class 12.
“The Court has been periodically nudging the authorities to do it themselves, and sometimes things only move when the court steps in. I am happy that the heads of armed forces have taken a positive decision. Put on record, we will take up the matter. We are happy with the stand. Let us hear the matter next week. Reforms cannot happen in a day. We are also conscious of that.”
Justice Sanjay Krishan Kaul.
The Centre will file an affidavit by 22nd September, the next date of hearing, regarding the submissions allowing girls into NDA.
Breaking the norms that endured for 65 years, the Apex Court rejected the argument that the restriction against women from training at the Pune-based NDA was a policy decision while issuing the interim order to let them sit for the upcoming exam in November.
Women officers of the Indian Army have brought laurels to the force…their track record of service to the nation is beyond reproach. To cast aspersion on their abilities on the ground of gender is an affront not only to their dignity as women but to the dignity of the members of the Indian Army- men and women, who serve as equal citizens in a common mission. The time has come for a realisation that women officers in the Army are not just adjuncts to a male dominated establishment whose presence must be ‘tolerated’ within narrow confines.
Justice Chandrachud.
The court also commended Ms Bhati for taking pro-active measures in favour of women.
The Court will be hearing the matter further on the 22nd of September.